TUC Urges Ghanaian Government to Convert National Cathedral into Hospital Amid Economic Crisis

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called on the Ghanaian government to convert the proposed National Cathedral project into a hospital to better serve Ghanaians during these difficult economic times. This appeal was made by Dr Anthony Yaw Baah, the Secretary-General of the TUC during the 2023 May Day parade in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.

Dr Baah expressed that the funds allocated for the National Cathedral project would be put to better use if they were used to build a hospital instead. He further advised the government to reduce the size of the government as Ghana is currently going through tough economic times.

The 2023 May Day parade was themed “Protecting incomes and pensions in an era of economic crisis: Our responsibility”, and this call from the TUC is a reflection of the realities of the times we are in. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the economy, with a rise in unemployment rates and a decrease in revenue. This has resulted in challenges for many Ghanaians who are struggling to make ends meet.

Converting the National Cathedral project into a hospital would be a proactive step towards addressing some of the challenges facing the country. Hospitals are essential infrastructure, especially during a pandemic. The healthcare system in Ghana has been under immense pressure in the past year, and this has highlighted the need for more medical facilities. Converting the National Cathedral project into a hospital would provide Ghana with a much-needed medical facility, and the government could allocate funds that were meant for the Cathedral towards healthcare.

Furthermore, the TUC’s call for a reduction in the size of the government is also valid. In these trying times, the government needs to be prudent with its expenditure. A reduction in the size of the government would lead to a decrease in government expenditure, and this would free up funds that could be used for other essential projects.

For the most part, the TUC’s call to convert the National Cathedral project into a hospital and reduce the size of the government is a reflection of the realities of the economic crisis in Ghana. The country needs to be proactive in its approach towards addressing the challenges it is facing. The government needs to prioritize essential infrastructure projects, such as hospitals, to improve the lives of Ghanaians.

Source: Graphics Online